FG Approves ₦48 Billion for Engineering Facilities Upgrade

The Nigerian Federal Government has approved a ₦48 billion intervention aimed at upgrading engineering facilities in 12 universities across the country. This initiative, disclosed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during an inauguration in Abuja, is part of a broader strategy to rehabilitate dilapidated engineering workshops and procure modern industrial-grade equipment.

The funding will be implemented through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) and is designed to strengthen practical training in engineering disciplines. The selected beneficiary institutions include the Federal University of Technology Minna, African Aviation Aerospace University Abuja, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi State, and several others.

Alausa clarified that an additional ₦4 billion is allocated separately for Tetfund interventions, with ₦20 billion already earmarked for spending in 2026. The initiative aims to restore confidence in Nigeria's engineering education ecosystem and ensure that the upgraded facilities meet global competitive standards.

Professor Suwaiba Ahmad emphasized the importance of monitoring the project's success, while Sonni Echono highlighted that the intervention is part of broader reforms in tertiary institutions.